Update: Reported issue revolved in v43.147.74 on April 23, 2026.
X10D Enabling Blackout Mode In Flight May Cause Emergency Landing or Crash
OSB Number: SOSB-26-V1
Products affected: Skydio X10D Connect MH and X10D Connect SL
Summary
Skydio has identified a software issue affecting the Skydio X10D, where enabling Blackout Mode while the aircraft is in flight may cause the aircraft to initiate an uncommanded emergency landing or lose controlled flight and crash.
Description of Issue
If Blackout Mode is enabled while the aircraft is in flight, the transition can briefly interrupt onboard processing. During that interruption, the aircraft may incorrectly detect a critical onboard system as unavailable, which could trigger an emergency landing or cause loss of controlled flight.
Immediately after Blackout Mode is enabled in flight, pilots may notice that the aircraft briefly stops responding to operator inputs.
If normal operation returns with sufficient time and altitude, the operator may be able to regain control.
Normal operation may not resume before impact, and the aircraft may collide with terrain or an obstacle.
Mitigation and Resolution
Operator Actions
Until further notice, operators should take the following actions:
Enable Blackout Mode before launch if it is required for the mission
Review contingency behavior settings before flight
Skydio Actions
Skydio takes flight safety very seriously. We are aggressively working to address this behavior with the following actions:
Develop and validate a software fix for the in-flight Blackout Mode transition failure.
Assess near-term software mitigations, including blocking Blackout Mode activation during flight.
All aviation operations involve risk. Operators should continue to follow mission planning and operational safety best practices, including minimizing flight over high-risk areas whenever possible and maintaining appropriate contingency plans.